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How to remove a bathroom mirror and install a new vanity top?

calccom21
Building a Reputation

How to remove a bathroom mirror and install a new vanity top?

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Hi All expert there,

    I'm changing my bathroom top from laminated to stone and changing the basin to caroma ( think ceramic). Question is

1. How do I remove the big mirror in my bathroom? Is it glue to the wall or nail?

2. The current existing top is 35mm and my stonetop is 40mm. Does that mean I need to adjust my mirror higher a bit?

3. The subtracted under the stone, do I need to glue it? If yes what glue should I use?

4. The new basin is ceramic top mount goes on top of the stone. Do I need to put sealant under the basin surrounding before I put the basin down? Or just put it down and apply sealant surrounding the edges? If no sealant under the basin will it chip the stone or the ceramic basin?

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MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Bathroom mirrors and basin top

Hi @calccom21,

 

The mirror is likely glued to the wall. Great caution must be taken when removing it, as there is a good chance of it breaking. I would encourage you to consider having a professional remove the mirror for you. A professional will have specialised tools to cut through the adhesive on the rear of the mirror. In a D.I.Y. removal, your only real option is to try and cut the adhesive with an extendable knife and pry away at the sides of the mirror, hoping that it will pop off the wall. Prying the sides of the mirror puts great strain on the glass and can cause it to crack. It will likely not be safety glass, and if it does crack, it will be in large shards that can cause injury. If you do attempt removing it yourself, you must wear appropriate PPE gear, including a long-sleeved shirt and pants, enclosed footwear, gloves and safety glasses. 

 

The mirror is sitting on top of the current benchtop, so it will need to be raised to accommodate the new benchtop. You could place the new benchtop in front of the mirror, but this will leave you with an unsightly gap at the rear that needs to be filled. Having said that, I think you'll find that many professionals would choose to place the new benchtop in front of the mirror and fill the gap at the rear with white silicone. This saves them time and prevents having to remove the mirror. However, it's not great practice and will lead to a not-so-fantastic finish on the back corners.

 

You'll need to bed the new vanity top down into position, and typically you'd use a wet area silicone for this. This silicone is placed on the top of the cabinetry where the top will be contacting. However, it's best to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. 

 

Once again, there will be sealant between the basin bowl and the vanity top. But make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, as there might also be clips that need to be used. The wet area silicone can be used under the basin and for any other filling of joins on the vanity top.

 

Please let me know if you have further questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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calccom21
Building a Reputation

Re: Bathroom mirrors and basin top

Thanks @MitchellMc . By the way, is it possible to remove the top without removing the mirror as the mirror is on top of the top (as per the photo below). Is there a glue between the mirror and the top I need to remove? I can see the screw inside underneath the countertop but not sure what else will be holding the countertop that I need to remove before removing the countertop

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EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Bathroom mirrors and basin top

Hi @calccom21

 

Before attempting to remove the vanity top, please make sure to cut the silicone sealant between the mirror and the vanity top. I propose trying to slide the top out instead of lifting it so the mirror will not be stressed. For safety, I suggest covering the mirror with cardboard and masking tape just in case it breaks while you are removing the vanity top.

 

I suspect that your current mirror is glued into place. I suggest getting a professional handy person to remove it for you. It is extremely dangerous and there is the possibility of injury if the mirror is removed incorrectly. Please double-check all your measurements before making any attempt to remove your vanity top. 

 

Please make sure to wear proper safety equipment such as work gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask when attempting to remove your vanity top.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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calccom21
Building a Reputation

Re: Bathroom mirrors and basin top

Thanks @EricL for the advise. Do you think it is just silicon between top and the mirror or is it glued to it? I'm trying to avoid moving the mirror. So thanks for the advise of getting cardboard to cover the mirror. Didn't thought of it

Re: Bathroom mirrors and basin top

Hi @calccom21,

 

I would imagine that the mirror frame is not glued to the vanity top. It's likely just the white silicone caulk that needs to be removed. You can cut it away with a retractable knife. Remember to wear those safety gloves when you do and keep your free hand away from the blade whilst cutting. Also, remember to cut away from yourself.

 

Mitchell

 

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calccom21
Building a Reputation

Re: Bathroom mirrors and basin top

Thanks @MitchellMc @EricL . Do you know which masking tape is good to hold the mirror and not removing the paint from my plaster wall? Wanted to avoid needing to repaint the wall if it sticks on the tape

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Bathroom mirrors and basin top

Hi @calccom21

 

I suggest using Paint Partner 24mm x 50m Blue 14 Day Resistance Masking Tape it is designed to be left on your wall for two weeks without leaving its adhesive on the wall. If you manage to finish the repairs in just a few days, it will be safe to remove the tape without having to worry about it.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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calccom21
Building a Reputation

Re: Bathroom mirrors and basin top

Thanks btw does substrate use underneath the stonetop same as MDF board? What thickness does it usually comes on? 

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Bathroom mirrors and basin top

Hi @calccom21 

 

The best way to get that information is to speak to the manufacturer of your vanity top. It's difficult to guess how thick the timber board is underneath unless a side portion of the vanity top is exposed. Drilling into the timber board could possibly damage the finish of the vanity top if you accidentally drill into it. In this instance, I suggest just using silicone to keep the vanity top attached to the cabinet.

 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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